Purpose: To determine dosimetric parameters, such as radial and longitudinal dose profiles, for beta and gamma devices in peripheral endovascular brachytherapy.
Methods and materials: An (192)Ir high-dose rate stepping source, a (90)Sr source train, and a (32)P-coated radiation balloon were investigated. The treatment-planning software PLATO, Monte Carlo code EGSnrc, and GafChromic film dosimetry were used to analyze the dose distribution of these devices.
Results: For a 5-mm-diameter vessel, the ratio between the dose at 2 mm depth and the dose at the lumen surface was 1.8, 3.4, and 16.2 for the (192)Ir, (90)Sr, and (32)P devices, respectively. The dose variation at the reference depth of 2 mm into the vessel wall was 7-18 Gy, for different analyzed dose prescriptions. The reference lumen dose was different by a factor >8. For all three devices, the reference isodose length was not <5 mm on the proximal and distal edge of the active source length.
Conclusions: A complete set of dose parameters for beta and gamma sources has to be considered for appropriate treatment planning and performance, including reporting of reference depth dose, reference lumen dose, and reference isodose length.